Post AWMS Conference Day Trip to Visit the Ocean Beach Wildlife Preserve & Cape Kidnappers - Thursday 3 December
The Ocean Beach Wildlife Preserve has been formed by a 10.5Km predator proof fence that cuts off the Cape Kidnappers peninsular at the Southern tip of Hawke’s Bay. The predator numbers have been reduced to manageable levels and this has allowed the reintroduction of species that have not been seen in this area for 100+ years, from robins & rifleman to kiwis, teal & petrels.
Of special interest is the integration of a wildlife sanctuary with coastal hill country farming and an exclusive resort & golf complex.
The morning part of the trip will include a bus ride to the preserve, presentation & discussion with the wildlife preserve management, Tamsin Ward-Smith & Dr John McLennan, a tour of the gannet colony & presentation by gannet researcher Steffi Ismar.
The second ½ of the tour will take in the kiwi breeding facility at Napier City Council’s Westshore kiwi hatchery, with a presentation from the curator Tony Billing & getting up close with the kiwis.
Delegates can indicate interest on the registration form by early November and confirmation on the trips will be advised - according to the expressions of interest.
3-Day Post Conference Trip to Lake Waikaremoana - Thu 3 - Sat 5 December 2009
Lake Waikaremoana is a large lake in the remote high country of New Zealand’s North Island. Here, as with other areas of native forest in New Zealand, the native bird life & particularly the kiwi have been decimated by introduced predators. The local Tuhoe people of the Lake Waikaremoana Hapu Restoration Trust have worked closely with the Department of Conservation to restore the kiwi population to the shores of their lake and have now taken full control of the project from the Department.
The restoration project has centered on one peninsular that has a barrier fence erected across the isthmus, by removing the predators from this peninsular it is allowing the bird populations to restore themselves. This has proved so successful that they are building another fence across the second peninsular & repeating the process.
The three day trip will include two nights stay at the lake, meeting & discussions with the local community on their conservation & wildlife management of the area, predator control programmes, native bird & plant restoration techniques.
It will also include boat trips on the lake to hopefully find kiwis.
This tour is limited to 16 people
What to bring, boots or strong walking shoes, wet weather gear, warm clothes and if possible a sleeping bag. Accommodation will be camping ground cabins.
Delegates can indicate interest on the registration form by early November and confirmation on the trip will be advised - according to the expressions of interest.
